Rajouri/Jammu, January 14, 2026 : Northern Army Commander Lieutenant General Pratik Sharma on Wednesday described Jammu and Kashmir as a vital pillar of India’s national security architecture, citing not only its strategic geographical significance but also its strong military ethos and rich human resource base.
Addressing the concluding ceremony of the 10th Armed Forces Veterans’ Day celebrations in Rajouri, Lt Gen Sharma lauded the region’s deep-rooted military traditions and substantial contribution to the armed forces.
“Jammu and Kashmir is not only strategically important, but is also a vital pillar of the nation’s core security architecture in terms of human resources and military tradition,” the Army commander said.
Highlighting the region’s contribution, he noted that with a population of nearly 1.5 crore, Jammu and Kashmir accounts for 4 to 5 per cent representation in India’s border security forces, a figure he termed significant in proportion to the overall strength of the armed forces.
Referring to the region’s illustrious military legacy, Lt Gen Sharma said Jammu and Kashmir is home to diverse regimental traditions that embody patriotism and sacrifice.
“The exceptional performance of regiments such as the JAK Rifles, JAK Light Infantry and Dogra units in every war is a matter of pride for the people and soil of Jammu and Kashmir,” he said.
The Northern Army Commander said the Union Territory has nearly 45,000 veterans and 975 Veer Naris, who continue to contribute to nation-building through civic engagement, disaster management and community support, strengthening military-civil fusion.
Recalling the role of veterans during Operation Sindoor, Lt Gen Sharma said their experience, local knowledge and valour played a crucial role in boosting troop morale in forward areas.
“Every soldier of the Northern Command displayed exemplary bravery, taught the enemy a fitting lesson and upheld the highest traditions of trust and camaraderie,” he said.
He said the 10th Veterans’ Day celebrations, held from January 8 to January 14, featured multiple programmes across Northern Command areas and concluded with the Rajouri ceremony.
Expressing satisfaction over public participation, the Army commander praised the Dhruv motorcycle rally, noting that riders covered over 740 kilometres across the challenging Pir Panjal terrain, commending their courage, endurance and discipline.
Lt Gen Sharma said medical camps were organised at Nagrota, Akhnoor, Reasi, Sunderbani, Nowshera, Poonch and Thanamandi, providing healthcare services and distributing blood-pressure machines, electronic wheelchairs and e-rickshaws to soldiers, veterans and their families.
He added that outreach initiatives related to pensions, healthcare, social welfare, employment and procurement have strengthened administrative reach in remote and border areas.
“Joint efforts of the Army and civil administration are translating welfare schemes for veterans into timely and tangible outcomes,” he said.
Reaffirming commitment to veterans’ welfare, Lt Gen Sharma said concerns raised during interactions—including shortages of medical specialists, medicine availability at the ECHS facility in Rajouri, empanelment of hospitals and the need for additional ECHS centres in Poonch—would be addressed at the earliest.
He also expressed gratitude to Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha and the civil administration for their continued support and cooperation.
